Valtra 60th Anniversary Event & Future Seminar

26-27 January 2011, Jyväskylä, Finland

Event videos

Event – Valtra 60 years

On 26 January 2011 Valtra celebrated its 60th anniversary at the Paviljonki exhibition centre in Jyväskylä, Finland. The event was designed to offer a peek into the future of life and farming. Members of the public, press, suppliers and customers were invited to the Future Seminar and a stunning evening gala. The culmination of the event was the introduction of Valtra’s very own vision of the future – the revolutionary ANTS concept.

Valtra range 2011

During this year, Valtra will be unveiling many new things. The purpose of these is to improve operating comfort and productivity. The rapid development of technology benefits tractor owners in many ways, creating new opportunities to save time and effort. Here are some of those opportunities:

Future Seminar

What will future ANTS look like?

Agriculture Nourishment Technology Sustainability

Valtra’s Future Seminar was held on 26 January 2011. The aim of the seminar was to provide a peek into the future of life and farming. Some of the world’s most distinguished futurologists shared their views and ideas on how we will live and work in the next 60 years.

2011 New products

New features for our anniversary year

During this year, Valtra will be unveiling many new things. The purpose of these is to improve operating comfort and productivity. The rapid development of technology benefits tractor owners in many ways, creating new opportunities to save time and effort.

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New! Valtra T Series

Valtra T Series more economical than ever

At the beginning of the year, emissions limits for agricultural machinery with a power rating exceeding 130 kW were made more stringent, resulting in changes to some engine models in the Valtra T Series. In addition to fuel-saving SCR technology, the new models offer a long list of other new features, which make work easier and more efficient.

Valtra A Series moves into HiTech age

Revolutionize your thinking about the limitations of small tractors. The nimble, versatile and reliable A Series is a true multipurpose machine and unbeatable in front loading work. In addition to electric reversal, the HiTech models bring many structural and technical improvements to the series. The new features increase operating comfort and the sturdy construction guarantees reliability in all conditions.

Unbeatable new features

Second generation SCR engine technology in the S Series, new hydraulic power in the N and T Series HiTech models, new tools for precision farming – System 100 and 150 and AGCOMMAND – make online analyses of what your tractor does every day, and much more.

Retrospective

Throughout its history Valtra has been as an innovative tractor manufacturer. Many unique ideas have been ahead of their time, and others have shaped the whole industry. Here are just a few examples of innovative tractor concepts and serial models that Valtra has developed.

Valmet 20

(1956-1963)

The sympathetic small tractor that opened the road for diesel models.

The Valmet 20 was offered with two engines: a 19.5-horsepower paraffin engine and a 23-horsepower petrol engine. The more powerful engine was warmly welcomed by the predominantly small farms in Finland at the time. The tractor weighed 900 kilos.

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Valmet 33 D (1957-1959)

Valmet 33 D

(1957-1959)

The diesel tractor that led to the founding of Valmet do Brasil.

The Valmet 33 D’s 3-cylinder 2.7-litre Valmet engine produced 37 horsepower, the tractor weighed 1700 kilos, and it had six forward gears and two reverse gears. The 360 D model, which was based on the 33 D, entered production in Brazil at the end of 1960.

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Valmet 900 (1967-1973)

Valmet 900

(1967-1973)

The first tractor with an integrated safety cab.

The cab was quite tight and came with a heater, just like in a car. The steering was hydrostatic and the gearbox synchronised with 8+2R gears. The Valmet engine produced 90 horsepower, and the tractor weighed 3200 kilos. For the first time on a production tractor, the dashboard and controls were an integral part of the cab.

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Valmet 502 (1971-1982)

Valmet 502

(1971-1982)

The first in a series of ergonomic tractors.

Valmet’s ergonomic tractors defined the trend for tractors with cabs in the early 1970s. The gear levers were situated on the right-hand side, the steering was hydrostatic, and the heating and ventilation system were under the dashboard just like in a car, allowing air to be blown upwards onto the windshield and downwards onto the feet. Thanks to the record low noise levels in the cab, the engine could be used at maximum power, which improved productivity.

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Valmet 1502 (1975-1979)

Valmet 1502

(1975-1979)

An interesting concept.

Six tyres allowed steady progress without any springs on fields and roads alike. All of the tyres were the same size, so the weight was distributed evenly on all six wheels. Valmet’s Linnavuori engine plant developed the 6-cylinder, 6.6-litre 611 CS engine (150 hp SAE) especially for the 1502, and this engine became the basis for all modern AGCO SISU POWER engines. The unique cab design improved visibility and helped keep the interior cool thanks to the shade of the oversized roof.

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Volvo BM Valmet 705-4 (1982-1991)

Volvo BM Valmet 705-4

(1982-1991)

The most popular model in the 05 Series that was jointly developed by Valmet and Volvo BM was the 83-horsepower Volvo BM Valmet 705-4. This four-wheel-drive tractor offered a relatively low unloaded weight with excellent weight distribution, since the engine was situated above the powered front axle. The gearbox was relatively short, allowing a 180-litre fuel tank to be situated between it and the flywheel casing. The traditional hydraulic casing was removed, and the hydraulic differential axle was integrated with the PTO casing. This allowed the floor of the cab to be level, which in turn meant the seat could be rotated 180 degrees.

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Valmet 138-4 Turbo (1983-1987)

Valmet 138-4 Turbo

(1983-1987)

Brazil’s first turbocharged four-wheel-drive tractor.

Introduced in 1983, the 138-4 established a strong reputation for large Valmet and Valtra tractors thanks to its productivity and reliability. The engine produced 140 horsepower, the tractor weighed 5930 kilos with standard weights, and the maximum working weight was an impressive 8140 kilos.

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Valmet Mezzo 6400 (1992-2007)

Valmet Mezzo 6400

(1992-2007)

A new generation of tractors in terms of both appearance and technology.

The Mezzo Series originally comprised four models: the 3-cylinder 3.3-litre turbocharged 6100 with 79 horsepower, the 4-cylinder turbocharged 6300 with 85 horsepower, and the popular 95-horsepower 6400. The most powerful 4-cylinder turbocharged model, the 6600, had the same transmission as the 6-cylinder 8100 model. The Valmet Mega 8000 Series was introduced alongside the 4-cylinder 6000 Series in 1993. The Mezzo 6000 Series remained in production for 15 years.

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Valmet Mega 8750 Sigma Power (1996-1999)

Valmet Mega 8750 Sigma Power

(1996-1999)

Sigma Power awarded the Gold Medal at Agritechnica in 1997

Sigma Power was a head-turning innovation. Sigma Power could transfer 160 horsepower through the transmission powering the wheels. When the PTO transferred at least 30 horsepower, the Sigma automation increased the engine’s power from 160 to 190 horsepower. In 1998 the HiTech transmission was introduced for 6000 and 8000 Series models, and the designation of the 8750 changed to 8950. Even though the tractor barely weighed 5000 kilos, it offered 172 horsepower from its PTO.

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Valtra S Series (2001-2007)

Valtra S Series

(2001-2007)

Europe’s “Tractor of the Year”

The design of the S Series combined all of Valtra’s traditional merits: an excellent power-to-weight ratio, reverse-driving capabilities (TwinTrac), a comfortable cab and state-of-the-art electronics. Initially two models were launched, the S230 and S260, both powered by a 6-cylinder 8.4-litre SisuDiesel engine. The fully synchronised 6-speed gearbox came from ZF, and it featured a four-step powershift. Seven external hydraulic valves came as standard, and they could be programmed from the touch screen.

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Valtra T Series (2002- )

Valtra T Series

(2002- )

New features offer superior hydraulics and driving comfort

The design of the 6-cylinder T Series continued in the footsteps of the sleek S Series. The T Series is known for its Aires front axle suspension and cab suspension. The external hydraulic valves were switched for electronic load-sensing valves, allowing the flow and timing of each valve to be adjusted individually from the control panel. Many of the structural components of the T Series were used in the 4-cylinder N Series, which was introduced in 2006.

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Valtra Versu and Direct (2008- )

Valtra Versu and Direct

(2008- )

A new generation of transmissions developed in-house by Valtra to meet the specific demands of its customers.

The Versu is a five-step powershift transmission that allows the gears to be shifted either automatically or by pressing buttons – no more gear levers! The Direct is a full CVT transmission that allows stepless changes in speed. The Versu and Direct transmissions share a maximum number of components. The biggest difference is in the countershaft; the Versu uses the multi-plate clutches required by the powershift, while the Direct uses a hydrostatic variator.

ANTS concept

The future of customization

Farmers and contractors in the future will need versatile, lightweight and powerful machinery that allows them to handle tasks beyond traditional tractor usage and maintain maximum efficiency on their farm. Valtra ANTS was designed to meet these challenges while respecting Valtra’s traditions.

ANTS is a play on words. It refers to Valtra’s current model series: A, N, T and S. But it also characterizes the concept. ANTS is strong, friendly, dynamic, agile and lightweight just like real ants.

Modular design

Valtra ANTS consists of two modules: a soldier unit with an output of 100 kW and a worker unit with an output of 200 kW. If required the modules can be combined, creating an ANTS queen with three axles, eight wheels and an output of 200, 300 or 400 kW.

While ANTS can perform routine field jobs independently, a driver is still needed for more complex tasks such as front-loading work. This is why both ANTS units can be also equipped with a cab.

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Power supply and fuel on demand

ANTS uses state-of-the-art drivetrain technology with an electric motor located in each of the wheels. The power sources can be changed according to availability and needs and may include high-capacity batteries, fuel cells, with turbine generators or internal combustion engines fuelled from the farm’s own biogas production.

Intelligent wheels

Intelligent wheels guarantee perfect traction in all working conditions. A unique mechanism allows the wheels to expand to nearly twice their width if necessary. ANTS measures the contact surface of the wheels with the ground, as well as soil characteristics. If the wheels start to slip or traction is too high, their width is automatically expanded and the tyre profile adjusted.

In normal mode, the smooth profile on ANTS tyres allows for excellent driving characteristics at high speeds during transport or works on the road.

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Active suspension and flexible height

Each of the ANTS wheels is connected to the chassis via a suspension beam. The stiffness and position of the beams can be individually adjusted. The tractor stays level on all terrain, guaranteeing optimal implement position and maximum driving comfort at all times.

The height of the machine can be adjusted to different work environments. When raised to its maximum height ANTS can easily avoid obstacles. During transport at high speeds the body can be lowered to increase stability and aerodynamics. These result in easy manoeuvrability, excellent fuel economy and driving comfort.

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Maximum modularity and bi-directional work

Each ANTS module has a spinal core along which the cab and implements can be adjusted. The rail-like spine runs across the whole module so that implements can be attached on either end of the machine or even on top. The position and angle of the cab and implement can also be adjusted, which makes ANTS suitable for bi-directional work for which Valtra is renowned.

There is no more need for traditional 3-point linkages, but it is still possible to attach traditional implements to the spine via an adaptor.

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A safe and comfortable operator’s environment

In today’s tractors access to and from the cab is the cause of many accidents. This risk has been eliminated in the Valtra ANTS concept. For safe access the cab is lowered to the ground and the driver’s seat moved forward.

The composite frame structure and adjustable position of the cab offer outstanding visibility. ANTS is powered by an electric transmission so noise levels are at a minimum.

ANTS is operated via intelligent armrests and using voice commands and gestures.

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Water-based hydraulic system

There is no traditional oil-based hydraulic system in the Valtra ANTS concept. Most functions have been replaced with electric motors and actuators. If traditional hydraulics are required for some older implements, the pressure can be generated using environmentally friendly water-based hydraulics.

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Next-generation front loader

The ANTS loader combines features of traditional front loaders, tele-handlers and forest machines. The loader consists of dual beams that are attached to the same pivot point at the cab. This way the loader can turn together with the cab, allowing for full visibility and control.

Both loader beams can be controlled individually, making the loader available for a wide range of applications. For further reach the ANTS front loader is equipped with an inbuilt telescopic boom. When not in use the loader can be folded to the back of the cab.

red dot award 2011

The ANTS concept tractor has won the prestigious red dot design award. ANTS took victory in the mobility category of the design concept series. Red dot is the largest design competition in the world. In addition to the Valtra ANTS concept tractor, over 3500 entries participated in the design concept series this year.

ANTS concept live

A Valtra ANTS model in 1:5 scale was presented at Valtra’s 60th anniversary celebration in January. The model can be seen at various agricultural exhibitions throughout 2011.

Click on the markers on the map for more information, pictures and reports.

Videos and more

ANTS animation

Valtra ANTS isn’t just a tractor. It is a modular platform which can be customized to handle a wide variety of tasks. View this animation to find out how.

The ANTS story

The ANTS concept has been built by Valtra’s industrial design team together with Swedish company Lighthaus. Watch this animatoin about the development process.

ANTS for your computer

Future farm concept

The future farm solves many challenges facing us today. The world’s population in 2050 has reached 9 billion. Urbanization and continuing industrialization continue to reduce arable farm land. The future farm is a self-sufficient and sustainable part of its environment. It is an important provider of food, energy, raw materials and services in its region.

Energy required for living and farming is gained from biomatter, wind and solar power. Thanks to advanced communication technology the future farmer has constant access to information about all aspects of farm work, such as soil information, crop growth, animal welfare and the maintenance level of the farm machinery. This information allows many farm processes to be automated. It also means that work can be performed both day and night, further increasing farm efficiency.

ANTS is the perfect machine for the future farm. In true Valtra tradition it offers a high level of modularity and sophistication, allowing the farmer to handle jobs beyond traditional tractor usage.